‘My ambition is to live until I’m 120 – and then be shot by a jealous husband!’

probably somewhere in Yorkshire. I’d definite have pea or oxtail soup for lunch, then spend a few hours looking through some rare books in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. My life is ruled by my gig- ging diary and I’m happy with that, so article then I’d get ready for a show. My We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly favourite venue is always the one I’m performing at that night. I feel blessed probing questions – and only accept because I spend my life around happy people who are out to have fun. I’m THE definitive answer. This week it’s completely in love with showbusiness, so I’ll enjoy myself playing a gig. comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd’s turn The happiest moment you will - ish forever… Being knighted this The prized possession you value The book that holds an everlasting year was a huge moment. Now I’m above all others… My book collec- resonance… The Coral Island by RM being measured up for some armour tion. I have about 50,000 including Ballantyne which I read when I was and I’m getting a horse. countless editions on comedy, come- six. It’s about three boys shipwrecked dians, clowns and showbusiness. on an island and it took me to another The saddest time that shook your world… Losing my parents was hard. The biggest regret you wish you could world. I craved adventure and wanted They gave me a fantastic childhood amend… I wish I’d learnt more about to be heroic like those boys. and so much good advice and sup- the use of the English language, so I The priority activity if you The figure from The misapprehension about yourself port. It was a lonely time but my faith could write coherently like Charles were the Invisible Man for h i s t o r y f o r you wish you could erase… I don’t in God helped me through. Dickens or Mark Twain. a day… I’d go to the Office whom you’d know of any. I’m grateful that the most like to buy British people treat me well. The unfulfilled ambition that continues The temptation you wish you could for National Statistics to a pie and a pint… to haunt you… I want to live until I’m resist… Sweets, especially Fruit Pas- see how they work things The event that altered the course of out. One day they’re saying . your life and character… Seeing a 120 and get shot by a jealous husband. tilles. I always have a family-size His plays give a wonderful something’s bad for you, then variety show in aged seven The philosophy that underpins your packet on the go. I love ice cream too. insight into the human spirit. I’d ask three weeks later they say it’s fine. or eight. I sat there wide-eyed and I life… Never be afraid of making mis- him if he really wrote them all. The pet hate that makes your hackles knew I wanted to be a performer. takes, because that’s how you learn. The piece of wisdom you would pass rise... Bullying driving on motorways. The crime you would commit knowing The order of service at your funeral… Follow your dream. I do about 30,000 miles a year and I on to a child… you could get away with it… At my age, I’m too busy living to think of that. see some terrible reckless driving. The unlikely interest that engages your no crime appeals. I might steal a kiss from a pretty girl, but that’s about it. The way you want to be remembered… The film you can watch time and time curiosity… Philosophy. Recently I’ve He gave us happiness and laughter. again… The Producers from 1968 been reading the great philosophers, try- The song that means most to you… with Gene Wilder and directed by ing to understand the meaning of life. My song Happiness has become my The Plug… The Ken Dodd Happiness Mel Brooks always makes me signature tune. I sing it at every show. Show continues to tour all this year. The treasured item you lost and wish n laugh. Brooks is a giant of comedy. For tickets visit kendoddshows.com. you could have again… The ability to The way you would spend your fantasy As told to Rob McGibbon The person who has influenced you swim with confidence. I was terrified 24 hours, with no travel most… My dad Arthur was very of water as a kid. I got over it with les- restrictions... I’ve trav- funny. He’d repeat songs and jokes sons but now the fear’s come back. elled all over the world but from variety shows and make me and The unending quest that drives you now I prefer to be in Brit- ain. I’d be happiest having my brother and sister laugh so much. on… To stay alive! I’m 89 now and I a quiet morning at home. My mum Sarah was also very spe- want to keep spreading happiness. I I’d have a few cups of tea cial. She’d say, ‘I don’t care what you have no intention of slowing down. get up to, as long as you wear a clean for breakfast with Shred- shirt.’ I’ve never forgotten that – and The poem that touches your soul… I ded Wheat, then read the I always have a clean shirt. enjoy going to church every week and Daily Mail and try to find I love the quote, ‘However black the something funny to put Left: Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel clouds may be/In time they’ll pass into my show that night. in The Producers. Above right: away/Have faith and trust and you will Fruit Pastilles and ice cream. Later I’d take my black Right: the Bodleian Library see/God’s light make bright your day.’ poodle Rufus for a walk, Next week PS... l Sean Bean takes us behind s re tu James Norton stars in romcom Hampstead – in cinemas Friday. A the scenes on his compelling ea religious drama Broken ar, rex f deluxe edition of Prince’s Purple Rain is released the same day. l Four delicious pages llst y, a y, m

a of the most fabulous fish l And Audra McDonald plays Billie Holiday in Lady Day At : a s h l p recipes PLUS Britain’s

ogra Emerson’s Bar & Grill at Wyndham’s Theatre from today t most detailed TV guide ho p

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